buffie Posted July 13, 2005 Author Share Posted July 13, 2005 Yes I wrote something ages ago. Not buying it and telling other's will make the most change. Also helps farmers change to free range farming if we don't buy. I believe that Helmanns and Heinz have a problem. They will have to sell all free range or an organic product. organic will suggest it's superior and they will lose their rubbish egg product market!! They can change by paying the price of free range eggs, farmers in this country will be pleased to change to free range if they get paid. I can't believe heinz have bothered with organic beans and ketchup when the egg is far more important! That may be worth saying to them!! Thanks for being involved, so many people are checking their cupboards and looking at labels that means the world to the poor hens! Bx Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Just a thouhgt I've had after reading this thread. Seeing as these huge companies seem to have the monopoly on their product, and pretty much a free hand in how it gets produced....do you think they might supply the supermarkets with the same product, but repackage and re-label it as the Supermarkets 'own label' food range? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Yes. Or maybe not same. But cheaper versions are unlikely to be free range source. Good point, Gina. We do need the free range promoted as being a good thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna 1 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 I'm going to add my bit by writing to Hellman's as well, and am also going to email Tesco Customer Services to suggest they follow the eminently chicken-friendly Waitrose by not stocking any products containing battery-produced eggs. Given past experience with Tesco Customer Service (useless ) I don't hold out much hope for anything approaching a satisfactory response. However, I have stopped shopping at Tesco (because I don't trust them) and only shop at Waitrose if the cupboards are completely bare - otherwise I get everything from my organic supplier who I know I can trust!!! (And I make my own mayonnaise too, Kate!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 All we can do is try but the great british public are ultimately to blame. I think I may have told you this before so apologies for repeating myself. My ex was a butcher and no matter how hard he tried to sell 'happy' meat most people wouldn't pay the extra. In the UK we all want the best standards for our farm animals and we have very stringent legislation (one of my hobbies - I know sad aren't I) trouble is it makes production more pricey so although the public want our animals raised in good condition when they hit the shops most of them shop with their pockets and not their welfare feelings. The only way to change things is to try to slow down or stop importing from countries that don't have the same level of legislation as we have which is ultimately down to central government - oh dear I can feel another letter of complaint to my MP coming on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Louise, my Dad is a Butcher and has come across the same thing with trying to promote 'happy' meat. He's now in Sales, so is pushing, all the time, to sell more organic produce. He also has to deal with his 'money making' boss, so trying to convince both parties is proving difficult. The best thing to do is never give up on a cause you think is just. I've said this somehere before, so apologies, but change can come from the bottom! (I know you know that, being a veteran in these things) Look at the campaign to allow the vote for women!! We need Tony Benn on here!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 14, 2005 Author Share Posted July 14, 2005 Yes Lousie that's what the Battery hen welfare trust are trying to do. Promote free ranging here and not cheap imports from abroad. The farmers here win and so do the hens and us. Information and education will help consumers choose. I think children understand so much and if they can be taught about food production they will ask their parents to buy welfare friendly. Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna 1 Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 That's so true Buffie - about children I mean. Oliver (small son) who is 2 1/2 has had great joy out of Milly and Molly since they arrived, and tells anyone who will listen about his 'goorls' (Oliver-speak for 'girls') and how they lay eggs. He even pretends to lay eggs himself! When I went to pick him up from nursery the other day, he was telling a group of small people about going home to see Milly and Molly and get their eggs, so I'm going to take the Eglu and girls to nursery for a day so that the other children can experience 'chooks' as well - might have to 'engineer' some egg-laying though as M and M lay very early in the day! If it helps children become more aware about where eggs come from, then perhaps later on, they will help 'educate' their parents - and of course at a nursey school there are always plenty of parents hanging around, so it may give the Eglu a bit more profile as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 14, 2005 Author Share Posted July 14, 2005 Anna that's a great idea. taking chickens into schools and telling kids about them and how the egg is made and where it comes from. Yep just the one bottom!! Perhaps Omlet could do an egg/ chicken/eglu promotion and show the eglu and chickens off whilst raising awareness of how lovely chickens are. Most people don't know how very opinionated and free spirited they are. My mum and dad hadn't had dealings with hens since they were children but they really enjoyed looking after them last weekend and my mum keeps relaying funny stories and now understands why I love them so much. She actually said they bullied her into letting them out for an extra half hour, no mum they shouted and you came a running, just like me!! Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna 1 Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Sounds like me too when my girls shout! Maybe we could start a 'chicken roadshow' into nurseries and primary schools in our local areas? I'm sure that nurseies especially would be really interested in having someone come in with chickens as it's virtually impossible to take groups of very small children on daytrips. And I guess the same could be said for reception and year one children too. Who knows, with the publicity about food awareness from Jamie Oliver, it might be the very thing to engage children's awareness of where food comes from. I might contact some of the local nurseies round here... Start 'em young is my motto! PS: Our neighbours had eggxactly the same reaction as your mum when they looked after the girls for us last weekend. They're thinking of getting some themselves now! Chicken Power Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 14, 2005 Author Share Posted July 14, 2005 Hen-tastic!! Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 Information and education will help consumers choose. I think children understand so much and if they can be taught about food production they will ask their parents to buy welfare friendly. Hi Buffie, (I was thinking of you last night, "Buffy" (the vampire slayer) was an answer in a crossword I was doing) Darren, my hubby, teaches about welfare etc as part of his curriculum. Do you know if there is any information available that he can access, either on the web or an address? Would be a fab project for the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 15, 2005 Author Share Posted July 15, 2005 Hi Gina you can get all the info at www.thehenshouse.co.uk and also links for more info. That's such a good idea, children really can influence their parents and are often so very aware, Thanks for asking me! Bx Yep, Buffy that's what started my nickname!!! friend started calling me it 5 years ago and it's kind of stuck. Love vampire films!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 That's a great site Buffie, thanks for that. Where have you disappeared to Are you on your jollies ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 19, 2005 Author Share Posted July 19, 2005 Just preparing my article about parents and feeding their children! Oh watched Jamie and feel spent!! Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 Just preparing my article about parents and feeding their children! Oh watched Jamie and feel spent!! Bx what do you do for a living then Buffie...and I'm not sure I understand the Jamie thing either..sorry.. Am I missing something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 20, 2005 Author Share Posted July 20, 2005 Sorry Gina, was referring to Jamie Oliver, can't believe some of the poor kids not knowing what a potato was and that parents buy such terrible processed stuff!! Yes it was a repeat but didn't see it all first time! I get so comfy on here I think you all know what I'm on about. Oh and to answer your question, should have done quote so sorry again Gina, I am a therapist and I work with people with eating disorders and weight issues. I have just been putting something together for the eating disorders association regarding women with eating disorders and the effects on their children, food issues etc. I use my experience of recovery to helps others. The battery hen issue is so important to me, it's welfare and food quality. I try to promote a good varied diet, more home cooking (clients are amazed that food prep can be quick) and NO DIETING. Our dog katie is quite unwell so I am nursing her, it's not always easy to get to the pc and ramble on as I love to do. Will check all the latest on here later. Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 Oh, yes, Jamie Oliver is a bit of a national hero isn't he. Gosh Buffie, what a fantastic, rewarding job you have. And I can imagine you are very good at it with all your compassion and empathy. I'm with you on the No Dieting. I'm trying to loose weight, and have recently joined a gym. On-top of this I am sticking to fresh veggies, salads, fish and chicken (organic) beans and pulses. I'm trying to limit the wine, but I love it so much, and chocolate and crispy munchies and bread. In three weeks of excersising (can someone correct my spelling there please Lesley ) I've lost 5lbs, and am feeling much better. The media has a lot to answer for doesn't it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 20, 2005 Author Share Posted July 20, 2005 Thanks Gina for your kind comments. I am fortunate to feel so rewarded by my work, it's tiring but I enjoy challenge. It's the summer slow down at present with many clients on hols. I'll be ready for mine come september. Well done you! You've discovered the best way to manage weight, moderate easy to maintain exercise, fresh food and little changes. They all make a big difference! Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Our dog katie is quite unwell so I am nursing her, it's not always easy to get to the pc and ramble on as I love to do. Will check all the latest on here later. Bx Hi Buffie Hows the dog? I can imagine how you feel - we have three and all have been seriously ill at one time or another. I am also trying to loose weight - I know with me it is just eating the wrong things (crisps / nuts / sweets etc) so I am trying to change my attitude to food (I think a lot of it comes from being a child and having to always finish what was on my plate) so as well as trying (notice stress on trying) to cut down / cut out the baddies, I am also cutting down on my portion size - I found I was eating the same as him who has a very physical job and is also one of those chaps who can eat what he wants and still be a rake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 Hi Mel Well Katie has seized up due to a fall, caused by heart prob, and at 13 plus we could do without it. She has been so mobile. She was given accupuncture and I am doing all sorts to help. If anyone has arthritis ideas please let me know. Will probably post this as a topic. Also the weight issues. Perhaps you can chnage some routines that often helps break some triggers and my clients have found a pedometer helps motivate adding more movement. Liking yourself is the best place to start. Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Thanks Buffie One of our dogs has just been diagnosed with severe arthritis and hip displacia (?) at the age of 6 we are giving him cod liver oil, evening primrose oil and glucosamine (from the vets). We have also been told that we can get a copper collar thingy as well. He is also on anti inflamatories and seems much happier now. I hope Katie is as well as can be expected Thanks for your advice about weight - I do now realise that a lot of the problems are routine eating - often I find myself "grazing" the cupboards for nuts / crisps sweets. If I am in the office there are often lots of donuts etc., and I am trying really hard to say no (I dont actually need to eat but somehow my mouth always says yes please!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna 1 Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Hi Buffie Try cider vinegar and honey for arthritis. Sounds mad, I know, but it does work. 1 tsp of each melted in a little hot water, allow to cool and administer twice daily. Our old beardie used to lap it up in her water eveentually and it really helped with her movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 Definately going to put the topic up later, just got katie the copper collar. Will list everything I know and use and then anyone can give their ideas. Thanks Anna, I wasn't sure what to do about the cider vinegar. Popped it in her water but I think I can add to her food, is honey part of the treatment. I know it has many wonderful properties. Thanks it's given me vigour for the day ahead. We lost our cat earlier this year to cancer and it feels like this year has been taken up with poorly kids. It's a real worry but you just have to get on for their sake. Other's have much worse I know. Just unloading, always best to get things out there. Ah, so nice to be able to say things out load (well almost), feel free to unload... Bx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 Re: Mayonnaise - I haven't read through the whole of this thread so someone may have already mentioned it but M&S do a nice mayonnaise made using free range egg for those who are a bit too busy to make their own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
